PASSING THROUGH PERFECT by Bette Lee Crosby

In 1946, the war has ended and Benjamin Church is headed home to Grinder’s Corner, Alabama and his father. He arrived home to find his father unable to run the farm properly by himself, and being a dutiful son, he stayed to run the farm.

Then he met Delia, a preacher’s daughter, and fell in love at first sight. Her father disapproved of the relationship, disowned her, and forbade her mother to visit their only child. Benjamin and Delia got married by a justice of the peace and settled down in Grinder’s Corner. When their son Isaac was born, Delia was determined they should leave Grinder’s Corner and move north where a black child had better opportunities and could go to college. Benjamin refused. He was happy with his life, until a horribly tragic event occurred on one rainy night – an event that changed life as he knew it, forever.

When Benjamin finally decided to leave and head north he passed through Wyattsville, Virginia, where he met Sidney and Carmella Klaussner and their boy Paul Jones, and his sister Jubilee, all people we met in JUBILEE’S JOURNEY. The Klaussner’s showed their gratitude to Benjamin for rescuing Paul from a burning auto by helping him get on his feet and making the right connections for him.

This is an intensely moving story of a Southern black man and his quest for a happy life for himself and his family from his Southern roots to a promising future away from the racism he encountered in the South.

The third book in the Wyattsville Series, PASSING THROUGH PERFECT did not disappoint me. Bette Lee Crosby’s storytelling ability has never shown brighter. A Southern gal herself, Crosby had an insight into the trials and tribulations of Southern living, and therefore her depiction of the towns and life situations were believable. PASSING THROUGH PERFECT, with characters that jump right off the pages and into your heart, is a book you don’t want to miss.

Samantha from Reader’s Favorite raves, “Crosby writes the type of book you can’t stop thinking about long after you put it down.”

“Storytelling is in my blood,” Crosby laughingly admits, “My mom was not a writer, but she was a captivating storyteller, so I find myself using bits and pieces of her voice in most everything I write.”

It is the wit and wisdom of that Southern Mama Crosby brings to her works of fiction; the result is a delightful blend of humor, mystery and romance along with a cast of quirky charters who will steal your heart away. Her work was first recognized in 2006 when she received The National League of American Pen Women Award for a then unpublished manuscript. She has since gone on to win nineteen awards for her work; these include: The Royal Palm Literary Award, the FPA President’s Book Award Gold Medal, Reader’s Favorite Award Gold Medal, and the Reviewer’s Choice Award.

Crosby’s published works to date are: Blueberry Hill (2014), Previously Loved Treasures (2014), Jubilee’s Journey (2013), What Matters Most (2013), The Twelfth Child (2012), Life in the Land of IS (2012), Cracks in the Sidewalk (2011), Spare Change (2011). A Cupid inspired romance, Wishing for Wonderful, is scheduled for release in November 2014 and Book Three of The Wyattsville Series, Passing through Perfect, will be available in January 2015.

Cathy, definitely do. But if you haven’t read the first two in the series, you might want to so you recognize the characters you meet. Not necessary, but I enjoyed doing it that way. The book definitely stands on its own.

I agree, Michelle, I like reading a series in order. I have read the first two and have Passing Through Perfect waiting on my Kindle 🙂 and after your review I need to get to it! I love the way Bette Lee Crosby keeps up with previous characters while bringing in new ones.

Sadly, racism is more alive today than I thought. When you don’t see the same lines people draw, you think everyone thinks as you do. I am clearly not a racist, but judge each and every person on their own attributes.

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All books reviewed here are either purchased by me, given to me by friends or family, won in another blog's giveaway, received from LibraryThing's Early Reviewers program, Goodreads, or from the author or publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I do not receive money for my reviews. I review books because I am an avid reader and love to share my thoughts about the books I read.